Is it worth spending money on anti-bacterial hand gels

In supermarkets and pharmacies full of jars, in which it is written that they will save us from all the germs in the world. Layfhaker understands whether this is so.

Antibacterial agents are popular, because all around terrible live microbes, and on all kinds of gels in colorful bottles it says that they will save us and protect 99.9%. Not so good as we promise.

How do anti-bacterial gels

At the heart of most of these funds - ordinary rubbing alcohol, which is actually effective. He destroys various bacteria and viruses, most importantly, makes it fastWHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. . Chlorhexidine, for example, it is much cheaper and maintains its effect after drying, but is slower than alcohol.

However, the figure is about 99.9% of germs killed - it is an advertisement. This is how a spherical alcohol in a vacuum, but in real life to achieve the death of all the germs will not work.

The fact that alcohol and antiseptics based on it performed better when the hands do not have visible dirt

If you wash your hands with soap and water, the antibacterial agent is not necessary.

How to do it correctly, we have told. Treat your hands after washing with antiseptic need only to professionals: doctors and those who work with the products.

Everyone else need to find a sink and ordinary soap E. C. Todd, B. S. Michaels, J. Holah, D. Smith, J. D. Greig, C. A. Bartleson. Alcohol-based antiseptics for hand disinfection and a comparison of their effectiveness with soaps. Water and foam and wash away bacteria and viruses, and various types of metals contamination, dust or toxic substances which are powerless against antiseptics.

But what if there is no sink nearby?

How to properly use antibacterial gels

The case where the hand wash is not obtained, and clean them urgently need to use antibacterial gels in conjunction with wet wipes, first remove the dirt, then treat the skin.

Not every day we need to urgently-presrochno wash your hands, so that even a small jar enough time.

Treat your hands too often impossible, because:

1. This leads to dermatitis - the skin becomes red and scaly. The jars with the means, of course, there is a softening and moisturizing ingredients. But still it is not necessary to be zealous.
2. Bacteria and viruses develop resistance to antiseptics. The more you use antibacterial gels, the stronger the surviving microorganisms.

What are the implications? Throw the bag in a jar with alcohol means, but use it wisely.